Dr. James Tian, MD

“I chose ophthalmology because it is so rewarding to see the results of successfully improving or preserving a patient’s vision. There is so much an eye surgeon can do, especially for a detail-oriented personality like my own. Previously permanently blinding conditions can now be treated with technology like surgically replacing endothelial and stem cells to clear up a cornea, creatively bending light rays to treat presbyopia, molecular cross-linking to stabilize a cornea, and an endless field of innovative surgical techniques. Beyond the United States, the easily treatable blinding conditions in so many impoverished countries throughout the world offered even more potential for improvement and purpose.”

James (Yun Bo) Tian, MD is an ophthalmologist specializing in cornea, cataract, and refractive surgery. He graduated from Duke University with a dual major in Chemistry and Biology and then completed an ophthalmology residency and medical school at Duke. After residency, he underwent …subspecialty fellowship training at the Duke Eye Center specializing in cornea transplantation, refractive surgery, and complex cataract and anterior segment surgery.

Dr Tian has also served veterans at the local VA Eye Clinic and as a volunteer ophthalmologist for the Lincoln Community Health Center helping uninsured and underinsured patients with diabetic and glaucoma eye exams. He has also volunteered with North Carolina’s state school for blind children and with Opening Eyes vision screenings at the Special Olympics. He has a passion for international mission work in ophthalmology, having traveled to perform cataract surgery and corneal transplants in El Salvador and Nepal.

As an accomplished academic and clinician, Dr. Tian has published and contributed to numerous publications and abstracts in prestigious journals. He has also authored numerous book chapters and presented his work at numerous national conferences. He stays up to date on the latest developments in advanced technology and presbyopia-correcting lenses in the treatment of cataracts, LASIK and PRK refractive surgery, and phakic intraocular lenses. His clinical interests include cornea transplantation, keratoconus, lens exchanges, and iris repairs. He is a member of the Association of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Dr Tian believes in using the most cutting-edge technology backed by the latest evidence-based data to provide the best possible care for his patients’ vision. Dr. Tian now sees patients as part of ICON Eyecare, continuing the same trusted care previously provided through Omni Eye Specialists.

Dr. Tian enjoys playing the piano, hiking, and watching basketball. He also likes to play table tennis and pickleball.